Scene of fatal collision in Mile End to have new safety measures this summer

PUBLISHED: 19:00 28 May 2010 | UPDATED: 16:06 05 October 2010

THE pedestrian crossing where trainee barrister Victoria Johnson was killed after being hit by a car will be redesigned this summer, it has been confirmed. London Assembly member for City and East John Biggs said the crossing outside Mile End Tube Station

THE pedestrian crossing where trainee barrister Victoria Johnson was killed after being hit by a car will be redesigned this summer, it has been confirmed.

London Assembly member for City and East John Biggs said the crossing outside Mile End Tube Station will be replaced with a new, safer crossing and new safety measure by September.

The works to the crossing, which was the scene of Miss Johnson's fatal collision in January 2009, were announced following a trial which saw 24-year-old Foysal Ali convicted of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

During the trial, the jury heard that Ms Johnson crossed during the flashing green man phase.

Mr Biggs said he received confirmation from Transport for London yesterday (Thursday) that they will install a puffin crossing across Mile End Road outside the Tube Station.

A puffin crossing does not have a flashing phase and will have motion detectors that hold motorists on a red light until all pedestrians have finished crossing.

Mr Biggs said: "The flashing green man at the same time as an amber light creates ambiguity on the crossing and it's a dangerous combination on a wide crossing, where drivers are further distracted by the complicated road layout and more signals a few metres further down the road.

"TfL's improvements will make the crossing so much safer for people."

He said TfL has also confirmed it will widen the central reservation, and reduce the road width from three to two lanes outside the station.

TfL has confirmed that it is finalising the designs and aims to begin on site in the late summer.

Mr Biggs added: "I am relieved to see this scheme eventually come to fruition. I've worked together with residents, councillors, the police and officers at Tower Hamlets Council and TfL.

"This shows that pressure and collaborative working can bring about changes to ensure we have no more tragic accidents here.

"I extend my deepest sympathy to Ms Johnson's family for whom the trial will have been very painful.

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